Wow, what a disappointment this year at wonderful curlew lake. I started inquiring as to why this is so and apparently (as I have been told by several resort managers - Tiffanies and Black Beach - so take this with a grain of salt) the stocking consisted of too small of rainbow trout with the result being absolutely awful fishing/catching this summer as it appears next to none survived - we are talking literally thousands of fish. Now, this is merely speculation on their part as well as mine. My wife and I, who are avid trout fisherman fished hard for 6 days without a single hit trolling. We saw the fish - all at 37 feet, very lethargic (I assume) and not feeding - this is very sad. Only fish caught (2) was still fishing in the cut before the state park.
Anyway, hopefully, someone will fix this by introducing more (healthy and larger) trout in late fall so that come Spring/Summer of 2003 we can again enjoy the pleasure of fishing and catching nice sized rainbows at curlew.
Please don't make the mistake and blame the muskies - they feed in only 15 feet or less and did not eat all the small rainbow. I have learned from the resorts that one can call and inquire with the fisheries management in Spokane.
If you love fishing Curlew and want some answers you are to call John Whalen, 8702 N Divison, Spokane, WA 99218 @ 509-456-4085. This name and address was given to me by the kind folks at Blacks Beach. I know I am going to call for I am very curious to hear what they believe is the reason for this severe decline in catching these beautiful trout.
Who knows - hopefully whatever caused this will not be repeated and those of us who love and support fishing will again enjoy catching those beautiful Rainbows at Curlew in 2003.

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